Paul Ibe, media aide to Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to order the unconditional release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, after what he described as 144 days in detention.
Ibe made the call in a statement shared on his official page on July 9, 2026, where he criticised the continued detention of the former governor, describing it as unfair and a violation of his rights as a Nigerian citizen.
The ADC spokesperson stressed that leadership should be guided by responsibility and accountability, arguing that political power must be exercised in the interest of the people rather than being used to intimidate or oppress citizens.
“Responsibility and accountability are key departments of leadership. When leaders wield power, it must be done for public good and not to oppress and intimidate citizens,” Ibe stated.
He alleged that El-Rufai’s detention amounted to political persecution under the guise of a legal process, urging President Tinubu to reconsider the matter.
“The former Kaduna State Governor is a political prisoner who has now spent 144 days in custody. Tinubu needs to reflect on the transient nature of power and do the needful,” he said.
Ibe added that his position was not based on El-Rufai’s political affiliation or his role within the opposition coalition, but on the principle that every Nigerian deserves fair treatment and dignity.
He said the same stance would have been taken regardless of whether El-Rufai belonged to the ruling party or any other political group.
“It is beneath the President’s office to use instruments of the state to cause for the perpetual detention of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai,” Ibe stated.
He appealed to President Tinubu to consider the pleas of El-Rufai’s family, particularly his wives, and approve his release.
“The least President Tinubu can do is to heed the passionate appeal of El-Rufai’s wives and release him unconditionally,” he added.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.